The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Princewill Chike, has pledged to maintain a disciplined campus environment, warning that his administration will not condone cultism, sexual harassment, financial misconduct or any other act capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.
Chike gave the warning shortly after officially taking over from his predecessor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, during a handover ceremony held on Monday in Port Harcourt.
He also unveiled an eight-point agenda focused on raising academic standards, strengthening research, advancing digital governance and promoting peaceful coexistence within the university.
Calling for harmony on campus, the vice chancellor appealed to students and labour unions to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation whenever disputes arise.
“For students, no riots please. Same thing for ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASUU (Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and so on.
“If there are any issues, call me; we will resolve it. That’s why I read out my phone numbers.
“Students don’t cause trouble for me, unions don’t cause trouble for me. I’m ready to work with you as long as we are here together.
“I want the students of this university to think of novel visibilities. I hear, but I’ve not seen that some people are in a cult. As I’m speaking to you, if you’re a cultist, leave that cult group immediately.”
The new VC also cautioned staff against financial impropriety, warning that anyone found diverting university funds would face sanctions.
“If you have been pilfering money belonging to the University of Port Harcourt, if you have that annoying to steal, stop now because we will not tolerate it. The governing council is watching. The President who brought me here is also watching.”
He equally warned against sexual misconduct.
“The other one is if you are sexually harassing girls (students), stop it. I’m saying it here now so that heaven and earth will hear that I said,” the VC warned.
Earlier, the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, described the transition as historic and expressed confidence in Chike’s ability to move the institution forward.
“It has never happened like this in the 50 years of the University of Port Harcourt. The Vice Chancellor is taking off on a very smooth, sound ground. The first time a Vice Chancellor has come in through a seamless process. And I am told that this is the first time we are having an extended ceremonial congregation after a new Vice Chancellor has been appointed.
“As a council, we worked very closely with the immediate past Vice Chancellor, and I came to admire his deep faith and commitment, dedication to God. His relationship with the council is that of mutual respect.
“For Prof. Chike (the new VC), he is somebody I have known for many years, and he is a thoroughbred of this university like his predecessor. He knows everything about this university, and I know he will hit the ground running.
“I have no doubt in my mind that Chike is going to raise the bar from where he is taking over. We will give you all the support necessary to make you excel and succeed.”
In his farewell address, Georgewill thanked members of the university community for their cooperation during his tenure and encouraged the new vice chancellor to sustain and improve on the progress already made.
